Estimation

Estimation in mathematics is a crucial skill applied to almost all topics through high school. It is vital for students to be able to estimate what an outcome should be in order to check if a solution is feasible.
 
Here, second grade students learn estimation using the INTOOBA Construction Kit:
 
STEPS:
 
1. In order to teach estimation individually, each student was asked to make a small individual construction. The teachers assigned values to the rods and connectors. Students were asked to estimate the value of their construction, and then actually calculate the value of their work.

2. Upon completion of this exercise, students assembled their individual constructions in the center of the circle. Students were formed into small groups, and then they were then asked to estimate the total value of the accumulation in their groups. Group estimates were collected and a class total was obtained by averaging the group estimates. Teachers and students then broke apart the pile and lined up components for easy adding to find actual total value.